As the Inter Miami superstar achieved another milestone with both goals in Tuesday’s 2-0 win over Peru in South American World Cup qualification, Lionel Messi expressed his confidence that the current Argentina side could be the finest in the nation’s history.
With his 30th and 31st World Cup qualifying goals, Messi became the all-time leading goalscorer in South American World Cup qualification history despite being named in the squad despite being sidelined in recent weeks with a muscular ailment.
The 36-year-old striker scored the opening goal for the world champions with a fantastic shot off an assist from Nicolas Gonzalez in the 32nd minute. Ten minutes later, he made it 2-0 with a powerful finish off a feed from Enzo Fernandez.
After having a second-half goal disallowed for offside after a VAR review, Messi’s double put him ahead of Luis Suarez of Uruguay as Conmebol’s all-time best scorer in World Cup qualifiers with 31 goals.
During this year’s World Cup in Qatar, Messi memorably led Argentina to their third World Cup triumph. “This team is incredible, every time they play they are very close to being the best in history,” he remarked.
On the playing field, I believe we have improved. We are very carefree, more united, and more resolute after our World Cup victory. Ideally, we’ll be able to keep expanding.
Lionel Scaloni, manager of Argentina, stated his team’s players shared Messi’s desire to retire before the 2026 World Cup.
“The team has understood Messi for a long time, it benefits him and he feels comfortable,” according to him. “I hope he plays as much as he can because everyone is happy to see him on the pitch.”
Uruguay defeated Brazil 2-0 in a World Cup qualifying match on Tuesday, with Neymar leaving the game with a knee injury that seemed serious.
Ecuador and Colombia played to a scoreless tie, while Venezuela rolled over Chile 3-0.
The current Conmebol leaders, Argentina, will host Uruguay on November 16 before facing Brazil five days later.
The next round of qualifying sees Peru taking on Bolivia and Venezuela.